High Sr Isotopic Ratios Research Articles

Early Permian Qiangtang flood basalts, northern Tibet, China: A mantle plume that disintegrated northern Gondwana?

The Qiangtang flood basalt province (QFBP) was recently recognized in northern Tibet, China. It erupted during the Sakmarian–Kungurian and covered an area of >6.84×105km2, reaching a maximum thickness of 1.5–2.0km. The Qiangtang basalts have ocean-island basalt (OIB)-type trace element patterns, with enrichments of light rare-earth elements (LREEs) and Ti–Nb–Ta relative to similarly incompatible elements, as well as exhibiting no Eu-anomalies. The basalts show medium to high Sr and Pb isotopic ratios, and consistently positive εNd(t). Strong correlations between Mg index, and major and trace elements indicate that the basalts have experienced fractional crystallization of clinopyroxene and olivine, and may have been generated by partial melting of an OIB-type mantle plume source with negligible crustal contamination. Similar early Permian basalts are also present in the Lhasa terrane, South Tibet–northern India, the Sanjiang area, and the Tarim basin. These basalts have an estimated original volume of >7.51×105km3, spread over an area of >9.84×105km2. We propose that the large-scale eruption of these flood basalts was related to a Sakmarian–Kungurian mantle plume that possibly initiated the disintegration of northern Gondwana and the formation of the Tethys oceans.

The onset of an eruption: selective assimilation of hydrothermal minerals during pre-eruptive magma ascent of the 2010 summit eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Iceland

The complex processes occurring in the initial phases of an eruption are often recorded in the products of its opening stage, which are usually characterized by small volume and limited dispersal, and thus generally poorly studied. The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland) represents a unique opportunity for these investigations thanks to the good preservation of tephra deposits within the ice/snow pack. A detailed geochemical investigation on the glassy groundmass of single ash clasts disclosed a population of fragments with unusual high 87Sr/86Sr (up to 0.70668) for Icelandic magmatism, and anomalous elemental composition with respect to most of the juvenile material of the eruption. This suggests that during its rise, before intruding into the ice cover, magma at a dyke tip selectively assimilated hydrothermal minerals with seawater-related, high-Sr isotopic ratios (zeolites, silica phases, anhydrite) hosted in altered volcanic/epiclastic rocks. According to the observed precursory seismicity, only restricted to few hours before the onset of the eruption, this process could have accompanied subcritical aseismic fracture opening during the days before the eruption, possibly related to stress corrosion-cracking processes, which enhanced the partial dissolution/melting and subsequent selective assimilation of the host rocks.

Linking serpentinite geochemistry with tectonic evolution at the subduction plate-interface: The Voltri Massif case study (Ligurian Western Alps, Italy)

Recent geochemical work shows that subduction-zone serpentinites are repositories for fluid-mobile elements absorbed during interaction with sediment-derived fluids. Unraveling the geochemical fingerprint of these rocks helps to define timing of tectonic accretion of sediments along the subduction interface and the role of serpentinite in element recycling to volcanic arcs. Here we present the trace element and isotopic composition (B–O–H, Sr, Pb) of high-pressure serpentinites from the Voltri Massif (Ligurian Western Alps, Italy), to discuss their role as incompatible element carriers and their contribution to recycling of sediment-derived components in subduction zones.The serpentinites presented here record metamorphic olivine growth during eclogite-facies metamorphism and show undeformed and mylonitic textures. Field relations show that undeformed rocks are enclosed in deformed ones and that no metasedimentary rocks are present nearby. Undeformed serpentinite has very high δ11BSRM951 (from +26‰ to +30‰), low Sr and Pb isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr=0.7053–0.7069; 206Pb/204Pb=18.131–18.205) and low As and Sb contents (0.1 and 0.01μg/g, respectively). Oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions are +4.5‰ and −67‰, respectively. In contrast, mylonitic serpentinite shows lower δ11B (from +22‰ to +17‰), significant enrichment in radiogenic Sr and Pb isotopes (87Sr/86Sr up to 0.7105; 206Pb/204Pb up to 18.725), and enrichment in As and Sb (1.3 and 0.39μg/g, respectively). δ18O of the mylonitic serpentinites reaches values of +5.9‰, whereas δD is comparable with that of undeformed rocks (approximately −70‰). In mylonitic serpentinites, the B and Sr isotopic values and the fluid-mobile element (FME) concentrations are near those for the Voltri metasedimentary rocks (calc- and mica-schists). Pb systematics also reveal influx of a crust-derived component.Our dataset shows that undeformed serpentinite still preserves an oceanic geochemical fingerprint, whereas mylonitic serpentinite is reset in its concentrations of FME and its B, Sr and Pb isotope compositions, due to interaction with sediment- and crust-derived fluids. The environment of this interaction is either compatible with (i) an outer-rise zone setting, with percolation of seawater-derived fluids enriched in sedimentary components into bending-related fault structures, or with (ii) subduction channel domains, where ascending sediment-derived slab fluids infiltrate slices of former oceanic serpentinite accreted to the plate interface domain. Influx of sediment-derived subduction fluids along major deformation zones in serpentinite modifies the element budget of the rocks, with important implications for element recycling and the tectonic history of serpentinite. The B, Sr and Pb isotopic systematics, coupled with FME concentration in serpentinites are particularly helpful geochemical tracers of interaction between different reservoirs in subduction-interface environments, and are more sensitive than the traditionally applied stable oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions.

Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic insight into the low-Ti basalts from southern Paraná Igneous Province, Brazil: the role of crustal contamination

ABSTRACTThe south hinge of the Torres Syncline in southernmost Brazil hosts a volcanic succession of pahoehoe and rubbly Gramado-type lavas belonging to the ~132 Ma Paraná–Etendeka Igneous Province. We evaluate the geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic variations using local-scale stratigraphy in order to discuss the petrogenesis of lava flows in a single magma type and to estimate the role of crustal contamination and the potential contaminants involved. The geochemical and isotopic variations along the lava pile are not systematic, implying that the magma chamber could have undergone successive replenishments of basaltic magma. The process of crustal assimilation explains the high and widespread initial Sr isotopic ratios at 0.707798–0.715751 and the very low εNd at −8.36 to −5.41, with associated Pb isotopic variations (18.42 < 206Pb/204Pb < 18.86; 15.65 < 207Pb/204Pb < 15.71; 38.62 < 208Pb/204Pb < 39.37). The magmatic evolution of the SCSH and LJ lava flows begins with the storage of mafic liquids during a short period in the shallow-level magma chamber, which allowed the magma ascent with composition of olivine basalts. The continuous fractional crystallization within the magma chamber coupled with variable assimilation degrees of distinct contaminants with Palaeoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic ages, in addition to significant contribution of magma recharge, led to magma ascent with basaltic andesite composition that displays at surface a simple pahoehoe morphology. The continuous magma recharge in the magma chamber coupled with higher assimilation degree allowed the formation of basaltic andesite lavas with more contaminated isotopic signatures that exhibit rubbly morphology at the surface. Differentiation process of liquids coupled with the highest assimilation degrees of distinct contaminants during longer time in a shallow-level magma chamber, which is distinct from that where SCSH and LJ magmas have been stored, led to the formation of andesites of the Morro da Cruz section that exhibit the most contaminated isotopic signatures.

Collision-related slab break-off volcanism in the Eastern Anatolia, Kepez volcanic complex (TURKEY)

The Neogene–Quaternary volcanic products, related to Arabian and Anatolian Plate collision along the Bitlis Suture Zone, cover wide areas on both plates. One of these volcanic exposures on the Arabian Plate is the Kepez volcanic complex (KVC). This study aims explain to petrogenesis of KVC. Although some examples display alkaline affinities, the majority of the volcanic rock is calc-alkaline and can be defined in three main groups. 40Ar/39Ar data obtained from dacite, basalt and andesite rock groups within the KVC yield ages of between 13.5 and 15.5 Ma. Geochemical and petrographical data show that the andesitic rocks are products of homogeneous mixing between basic end-member magmas and dacitic magmas which are the products of partial melting of lower crustal compositions. Basaltic products of KVC are asthenospheric mantle derived, while dacitic and andesitic volcanic rocks are crustal origin. High Sr and Nd isotope ratios may indicate that andesitic and dacitic rocks originated from continental crust. The lithospheric mantle, which is subducting underneath the Anatolian plate, must have experienced slab break-off processes 13–15 million years ago and sunk into the asthenosphere. KVC were produced with the collision between Arabian and Anatolian Plates and related uplift of the East Anatolia region.

Rare earth elements, S and Sr isotopes and origin of barite from Bahariya Oasis, Egypt: Implication for the origin of host iron ores

Based on their occurrences and relation to the host iron ores, barites are classified into: (1) fragmented barite occurs as pebble to sand-size white to yellowish white barite along the unconformity between the Bahariya Formation and iron ores, (2) interstitial barite is present as pockets and lenses of large and pure crystals inside the iron ores interstitial barite inside the iron ores, and (3) disseminated barite occurs at the top of the iron ores of relatively large crystals of barite embedded in hematite and goethite matrix. In the current study, these barites have been analyzed for their rare earth elements (REE) as well as strontium and sulfur isotopes to assess their source and origin as well as the origin of host iron ores.Barite samples from the three types are characterized by low ΣREE contents ranging between 12 and 21ppm. Disseminated barite shows relatively lower ΣREE contents (12ppm) compared to the fragmented (19ppm) and interstitial (21ppm) barites. This is probably due to the relatively higher Fe2O3 in the disseminated barite that might dilute its ΣREE content. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns for the three barite mineralizations exhibit enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREE) as shown by the high (La/Yb)N ratios that range between 14 and 45 as well as pronounced negative Ce anomalies varying between 0.03 and 0.18. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the analyzed samples vary between 0.707422 and 0.712237. These 87Sr/86Sr values are higher than the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the seawater at the time of barite formation (Middle Eocene with 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70773 to 0.70778) suggesting a contribution of hydrothermal fluid of high Sr isotope ratios. The δ34S values in the analyzed barites range between 14.39‰ and 18.92‰. The lower δ34S ratios in the studied barites compared with those of the seawater at the time of barite formation (Middle Eocene with δ34S ratios of 20–22‰) is attributed to a possible contribution of hydrothermal fluid of low δ34S values that lowered the δ34S values in the studied barites.Rare earth elements distribution and patterns, as well as strontium and sulfur isotopes suggest a mixing of seawater and a hydrothermal fluid as possible sources for barite mineralizations in the Bahariya Oasis. The seawater source is suggested from the low Ce/La ratios, “V” shape of the rare earth patterns and pronounced negative Ce anomalies. On the other hand, the hydrothermal fluid contribution is evident from the low concentrations of rare earth and the deviation in both S and Sr isotopic compositions from those of the seawater during the time of barites formation (Middle Eocene). The relatively heterogeneous Sr and S isotope ratios among the studied barites suggest the Bahariya Formation and Basement Complex as possible sources of the hydrothermal fluids. The similarity in the REE as well as S and Sr isotopic compositions of the three types of barite suggest that they form simultaneously.As the geology and occurrence of the barites suggest a genetic relationship between these barites and the host iron ores, the mixed seawater and hydrothermal sources model of the barites is still applicable for the source of the host iron ores.

Petrogenesis of Cretaceous igneous rocks from the Duolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit, central Tibet: evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology, petrochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotope characteristics

The Duolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit (5.4 Mt at 0.72% Cu, 41 t at 0.23 g/t Au) was recently discovered in the southern Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet. Here, new whole‐rock elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope and zircon Hf isotopic data of syn‐ and post‐ore volcanic rocks and barren and ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyries are presented for a reconstruction of magmas associated with Cu–Au mineralization. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating yields mean ages of 117.0 ± 2.0 and 120.9 ± 1.7 Ma for ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyry and 105.2 ± 1.3 Ma for post‐ore basaltic andesite. All the samples show high‐K calc‐alkaline compositions, with enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE: Cs and Rb) and depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE: Nb and Ti), consistent with the geochemical characteristics of arc‐type magmas. Syn‐ and post‐ore volcanic rocks show initial Sr ratios of 0.7045–0.7055, εNd(t) values of −0.8 to 3.6, (206Pb/204Pb)t ratios of 18.408–18.642, (207Pb/204Pb)t of 15.584–15.672 and positive zircon εHf(t) values of 1.3–10.5, likely suggesting they dominantly were derived from metasomatized mantle wedge and contaminated by southern Qiangtang crust. Compared to mafic volcanic rocks, barren and ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyries have relatively high initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.7054–0.7072), low εNd(t) values (−1.7 to −4.0), similar Pb and enriched zircon Hf isotopic compositions [εHf(t) of 1.5–9.7], possibly suggesting more contribution from southern Qiangtang crust. Duolong volcanic rocks and granodiorite porphyries likely formed in a continental arc setting during northward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang ocean and evolved at the base of the lower crust by MASH (melting, assimilation, storage and homogenization) processes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Geochronology and geochemistry of Grenville-aged (1063 ± 16 Ma) metabasalts in the Shennongjia district, Yangtze block: implications for tectonic evolution of the South China Craton

To better understand the evolution of the South China Craton (SCC), we have determined the geochronological and geochemical compositions of newly recognized Grenville-aged metabasalts in the Shennongjia region of the northern Yangtze block. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircons indicates that the metabasalts formed at 1063 ± 16 Ma. The rocks are calc-alkaline, are characterized by SiO2 contents (50.50 to 55.62 wt.%), and have moderate-to-high MgO contents (7.25–9.60 wt.%). They display light rare earth element enrichment ((La/Yb)N = 7.0–9.8) with slightly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.82–0.90) and have pronounced depletion in high-field strength elements as well as positive Pb anomalies in the primitive mantle-normalized trace element pattern. They possess high initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7092–0.7107, large negative εNd(t) values of −12.1 to −11.0, and a relatively narrow range of initial Pb isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb = 16.503–17.019, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.259–15.452, and 208Pb/204Pb = 36.169–36.994). These isotopic characteristics are typical of basalts derived from an EM2 source region and suggest a subcontinental lithospheric mantle source that was metasomatized by subducted components (fluids and melts). Integrating our new data with documented igneous and metamorphic events during late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic time in the region and western segments of the Yangtze block, we suggest that the Shennongjia area might be a microcontinent that was independent of the continental nucleus of the Yangtze block and was accreted to the Yangtze block at the end of Mesoproterozoic time. This study thus argues against the traditional view that the SCC was formed simply by Yangtze–Cathaysia collision and supports a hypothesis in which the Yangtze block was a collage of microcontinents accreted during the Grenvillian period accompanying the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent.

Geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic constraints on the mantle source of Neoproterozoic mafic dikes of the rifted eastern Laurentian margin, north-central Appalachians, USA

Abundant and widely distributed unmetamorphosed mafic dikes intrude Mesoproterozoic rocks of the New Jersey Highlands. The age of the dikes is imprecisely known but interpreted to fall between 615 and 576 Ma, which is consistent with the range of ages of mafic dikes from Labrador and Nova Scotia south to Pennsylvania that were emplaced along the rifted eastern Laurentian margin. New Jersey Highlands dikes are a few cm to 18 m wide and have lengths of as much as several km. They have sharp, largely discordant contacts against enclosing Mesoproterozoic rocks and aphanitic chilled margins that grade into coarser grained interiors. Columnar joints are present locally and suggest emplacement at a shallow crustal level. Geochemical compositions of the dikes range from alkalic to less common tholeiitic basalt having generally high TiO 2 , P 2 O 5 , Zr, Nb, Y, and La/Yb, and low MgO, Cr, and Ni. TiO 2 contents define high-Ti and low-Ti dikes that differ in high field strength elements (HFSE) and light rare earth elements (LREE) but overlap in abundances of most other elements. Dike magma evolved in an ascending mantle plume of OIB-like asthenosphere from enriched higher TiO 2 compositions to more depleted lower TiO 2 compositions. Subtle differences in the dike compositions are due to variations in the amount of partial melting within the plume and the depth of melt segregation. Sr–Nd isotope values of both dike compositions overlap and are characterized by ε Nd (T) of + 1.5 to + 3.8 and initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ranging from 0.7032 to 0.7077. Higher Sr isotope ratios are interpreted as resulting from local interaction of the dike magma with heterogeneous, high 87 Sr/ 86 Sr lithospheric mantle having EMI or EMII-like geochemical characteristics. Dikes form tabular structures that have long segments striking an average of N44°E and short segments striking about east–west. Their regional geometries form right-stepping, rhomb-shaped patterns due to emplacement into rift-related dilational fractures likely formed through a combination of southeast-directed extension and strike-slip shear stresses. Geochemical compositions of the dikes are the same regardless of their structural trend or location implying they formed during a single magmatic event. They, along with other mafic dikes in the north-central Appalachians, were emplaced in a within-plate tectonic setting along the rifted margin of eastern Laurentia, prior to opening of the Iapetus Ocean. • Mantle sources of Neoproterozoic mafic dikes were modeled from Sr–Nd isotopes and geochemistry. • Dikes formed from partial melting of a garnet-free, enriched OIB-like source. • Geochemical similarity to other regional Neoproterozoic dikes along the eastern Laurentian margin • Dikes emplaced from single magmatic event during rifting that formed the Iapetus Ocean

Recycling of sediment into the mantle source of K-rich mafic rocks: Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic evidence from the Fushui complex in the Qinling orogen

Potassium (K)-rich mafic rocks are viewed as being derived from partial melting of an enriched mantle source, but it is controversial about which processes cause the mantle enrichment. The Fushui intrusive complex is the largest early Paleozoic K-rich intrusive complex in the eastern Qinling orogen. Therefore, detailed studies on the Fushui complex can contribute not only to understanding of the petrogenesis of K-rich mafic rocks, but also to unraveling the Paleozoic evolution of the Qinling orogen. In this study, we provide an integrated investigation of in situ zircon U–Pb dating and Hf–O isotopes, in combination with whole-rock major and trace elements, as well as Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes, for the Fushui intrusive complex. In situ zircon secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) / laser ablation induction coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) U–Pb dating reveals that different rock types of the Fushui complex have identical formation ages of 488–484 Ma. The Fushui complex belongs to the shoshonitic series, and is characterized by extreme large ion lithophile element (LILE, e.g., Ba, U, Th and Sr) and Pb enrichment and depletion of high field-strength elements (HFSEs, e.g. Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, P and Ti). It shows high initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.7100–0.7151), negative whole-rock e Nd(t) (−3.97 to −5.68) and negative to slight positive whole-rock (−2.24 to 2.38) and zircon (−2.85 to 0.34) e Hf(t) values, as well as high zircon δ18O values (6.86 ± 0.13 ‰). The Hf–Nd isotopic systems are decoupled with positive Δe Hf values (3.85–5.37). These geochemical features indicate that the mantle source has incorporated subducted zircon–barren oceanic sediments. A simple two-end-members mixing model constrains the amount of subducted sediments in the Fushui mantle source to 5–8 %. The Fushui complex originated from 1 to 6 % equilibrium melting of a phlogopite-bearing garnet lherzolite by non-modal melting. As shoshonitic magmas have been discovered in modern nascent arcs, we suggest that the generation of the Fushui complex was induced by the subduction of the Paleotethyan Ocean, when it jumped from the northern to the southern boundary of the North Qinling microcontinent.

Metasomatism of the Pan-African lithospheric mantle beneath the Damara Belt, Namibia, by the Tristan mantle plume: geochemical evidence from mantle xenoliths

In situ trace element analyses of constituent minerals in mantle xenoliths occurring in an alnoite diatreme and in nephelinite plugs emplaced within the central zone of the Damara Belt have been determined by laser ablation ICP-MS. Primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns of clinopyroxene and amphibole indicate the presence of both depleted MORB-like mantle and variably enriched mantle beneath this region. Clinopyroxenes showing geochemical depletion have low La/Smn ratios (0.02–0.2), whereas those showing variable enrichment have La/Smn ranging up to 3.8 and La/Ybn to 9.1. The most enriched clinopyroxenes coexist with amphibole showing similar REE patterns (La/Smn = 1.3–4.1; La/Ybn = 4.5–9). Primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns allow further groups to be distinguished amongst the variably enriched clinopyroxenes: one having strong relative depletion in Rb–Ba, Ta–Nb and relative enrichment in Th–U; another with similar characteristics but with additional strong relative depletion in Zr–Hf; and one showing no significant anomalies. Amphiboles show similar normalized trace element patterns to co-existing clinopyroxene. Clinopyroxene and amphiboles showing LREEN enrichment have high Sr and low Nd isotope ratios compared to clinopyroxene with LREE-depleted patterns. Numerical simulation of melt percolation through the mantle via reactive porous flow is used to show that the chromatographic affect associated with such a melt migration process is able to account for the fractionation seen in La–Ce–Nd in cryptically metasomatized clinopyroxenes in Type 1 xenoliths, where melt–matrix interactions occur near the percolation front, whereas REE patterns in clinopyroxenes proximal to the source of metasomatic melt/fluid match those found in modally metasomatized Type 2 xenoliths. The strong fractionation between Rb–Ba, Th–U and Ta–Nb shown by some cryptically metasomatized xenoliths can be also accounted for by reactive porous flow, provided amphibole crystallizes from the percolating melt/fluid close to its source. The presence of amphibole in vein-like structures in some xenoliths is consistent with this interpretation. The strong depletion in Zr–Hf in clinopyroxene and amphibole in some xenoliths cannot be accounted for by melt migration processes and requires metasomatism by a separate carbonate-rich melt/fluid. When taken together with published isotope data on these same xenoliths, the source of metasomatic enrichment of the previously depleted (MORB-like) sub-Damaran lithospheric mantle is attributed to the upwelling Tristan plume head at the time of continental breakup.

The Shallow Plumbing System of Piton de la Fournaise Volcano (La Reunion Island, Indian Ocean) Revealed by the Major 2007 Caldera-Forming Eruption

The 2007 caldera-forming eruption of Piton de la Fournaise (PdF) erupted the largest volume of magma (210 Mm3) recorded at this volcano in at least three centuries. Major and trace element and Sr–Nd isotope data for bulk-rocks, groundmasses and olivine phenocrysts have been combined with melt inclusion data (major, trace and volatile elements) to track magma evolution over the whole eruptive sequence. We show that each eruptive phase had a distinctive geochemical and petrological signature and that caldera collapse on 5 April was preceded by a marked shift in bulk magma composition and crystal content and size. Aphyric basalt erupted at the beginning of the sequence (February 2007) had relatively high Sr isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr = 0·70420–0·704180) and low Nd isotopic ratio (143Nd/144Nd = 0·51285–0·51286). Olivine-basalts extruded on 2–5 April just before caldera collapse are less enriched in radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr = 0·70412–0·70416), but characterized by the same Nd isotopic composition. This magma is interpreted as a new deep input, which pressurized the shallow PdF plumbing system and triggered the 2007 activity. Post-collapse oceanite lavas represent the main volume of magma extruded in 2007. Their bulk-rocks and groundmasses have 87Sr/86Sr (∼0·70418) intermediate between those of February and 5 April, and similar to those of the March 2007 and 2001–2006 lavas. We show that the Steady State Basalts (SSB) commonly erupted at PdF are hybrid melts, which result from multistep mixing between ‘alkaline’ and ‘transitional’ end-members. Our results lead us to propose a new model of the PdF plumbing system to reconcile the petrological, geochemical and geophysical observations: (1) the shallow portion (above sea level) of the PdF plumbing system hosts several small sills, in which magma experiences variable degrees of degassing, cooling and crystallization; (2) oceanite lavas result from the withdrawal of shallow harrisitic mushes stored at low pressures (<48 MPa; <1800–2400 m depth) below both the volcano summit and its eastern flank; (3) water degassing plays a major role in fast magma crystallization at shallow depths. Multistep ascent and periodic extrusion of the shallow magmas is promoted by injections of deeper and hotter basaltic magma, containing up to 1·3 wt % H2O and 1630 ppm S. In 2007, the new deep input was the ultimate source of the large excess in sulfur degassing detected by satellites. Lateral draining and intrusion of magma below the eastern flank of the volcano are the cause of major volcano deformation, flank sliding and summit caldera collapse.

Insights from Pb and O isotopes into along-arc variations in subduction inputs and crustal assimilation for volcanic rocks in Java, Sunda arc, Indonesia

New Pb isotope data are presented for Gede Volcanic Complex, Salak and Galunggung volcanoes in West Java, Merbabu and Merapi volcanoes in Central Java and Ijen Volcanic Complex in East Java of the Sunda arc, Indonesia. New O isotope data for Merbabu and new geochemical and radiogenic isotope data (Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb) for three West Javanese, upper crustal, Tertiary sedimentary rocks are also presented. The data are combined with published geochemical and isotopic data to constrain the relative importance of crustal assimilation and subducted input of crustal material in petrogenesis in Java. Also discussed are the significance of limestone assimilation in controlling the geochemical and isotopic characteristics of erupted Javanese rocks and the geochemical impact upon central and eastern Javanese arc rocks due to the subduction of Roo Rise between 105 and 109°E. The negative correlation between Pb isotopes and SiO2, combined with mantle-like δ18O values in Gede Volcanic Complex rocks, West Java, are most likely explained by assimilation of more isotopically-primitive arc rocks and/or ophiolitic crust known to outcrop in West Java. The negative Pb isotope-SiO2 trend cannot be explained by assimilation of the known compositions of the upper crustal rocks. A peak in δ18O whole-rock and mineral values in Central Javanese volcanic rocks (Merbabu and Merapi) combined with along-arc trends in Sr isotope ratios suggest that a different or additional crustal assimilant exerts control on the isotopic composition of Central Javanese volcanic rocks. This assimilant (likely carbonate material) is characterised by high δ18O and high Sr isotope ratio but is not particularly elevated in its Pb isotopic ratio. Once the effects of crustal assimilation are accounted for, strong East to West Java regional variations in Ba concentration, Ba/Hf ratio and Pb isotopic composition are evident. These differences are attributed to heterogeneity in the subducted source input component along the island: a more radiogenic Pb isotopic, lower Ba/Hf component (detrital-rich subducted sediment) in West Java and a less radiogenic Pb isotopic, high Ba/Hf component (attributed to a greater AOC/sediment fluid component and/or dominance of pelagic, clay-rich subducted sediment) in East and possible Central Java. The subduction of the Roo Rise, an area of oceanic basement relief, is thought to contribute significantly to the spatial geochemical source input variations exhibited by Javanese volcanoes.

Rb-Sr age of metasomatism and ore formation in the low-temperature shear zones of the Fenno-Karelian CRATON, Baltic Shield

Manifestations of the main types of metasomatites (beresite, propylite, listwaenite, aceite, and gumbeite) were identified in the shear zones of the Fenno-Karelian craton on the basis of the previously proposed systematics of metasomatic facies. These metasomatites were formed in shear stress environments, which determined their morphological features, in particular, finely banded texture. Comparatively low-temperature conditions of infiltration process and salting out effect (reduction of CO2 solubility with increasing salt content) lead to the heterogenization of fluid into two phases: aqueous salt solution and almost pure CO2. This results in more aggressive and mobile behavior of the fluid, and, correspondingly, more intense differentiation of the matter and contrast in metasomatic banding. Relations between metasomatic parageneses indicate an evolution trend of the processes from propylite, beresite and listwaenite to alkaline varieties and their repeated manifestation in the same shear zones. The results of Rb-Sr isochron dating of ore metasomatites from eight deposits and occurrences of the Fenno-Karelian craton (more than 100 samples of rocks and minerals) confirm previous assumptions. In general obtained data show that the shear zones controlling the distribution of the studied occurrences operated as fluid pathways during a long time period, up to 200 Ma, after the Svecofennian orogeny completion and did not show any correlation with Paleoproterozoic and Neoarchean magmatism. Rb-Sr isotope data on the metasomatites indicate three peaks of the post-Svecofennian metallogenic activity: 1700–1780, 1600–1650, and 1400–1500 Ma. Since the studied ore deposits were formed within tectonic structures, which evolved on the Archean crust and have a long prehistory, and fluid flows were subjected to intensive contamination by ancient crustal material, a relatively high initial Sr isotope ratios of formed ore-metasomatic systems were developed. High variablity of this value in the studied rocks ((87Sr/86Sr)0 from 0.706 to 0.750) is related to the heterogeneity of crustal protolith and to the relative storage and manifestation of the juvenile component of the fluid, which was responsible for the metasomatic transformation of the Archean and Paleoproterozoic rocks and ore-deposit formation.

Geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic constraints on the petrogenesis and geodynamic significance of the Jebilet magmatism (Variscan Belt, Morocco)

AbstractIn the Variscan fold belt of Morocco, the Jebilet massif is characterized by Palaeozoic metasedimentary rocks intruded by syntectonic magmatism that includes an ultramafic–granitoid bimodal association and peraluminous granodiorites emplacedc. 330 Ma, intruded by younger leucogranitesc. 300 Ma. The mafic–ultramafic rocks belong to a tholeiitic series, and display chemical and isotopic signatures consistent with mixing between mantle-derived and crust-derived magmas or assimilation and fractional crystallization. The granites within the bimodal association are mainly metaluminous to weakly peraluminous microgranites that show characteristics of A2-type granites. The peraluminous, calc-alkaline series consists mainly of cordierite-bearing granodiorites enclosing magmatic microgranular enclaves and pelitic xenoliths. Detailed element and isotope data suggest that the alkaline and the peraluminous granitoids were formed in the shallow crust (&lt;30 km) by partial melting of tonalitic sources at high temperatures (up to 900°C) and by partial melting of metasedimentary protoliths at relatively low temperatures (c. 750°C), respectively. Mixing between the coeval mantle-derived and crust-derived magmas contributed to the large variation of initial εNdvalues and initial Sr isotopic ratios observed in the granitoids. Further contamination occurred by wall-rock assimilation during ascent of the granodioritic plutons to the upper crust. The ultramafic–granitoid association has been intruded by leucogranites that have high initial Sr isotopic ratios and low initial εNdvalues, indicating a purely crustal origin. The heating events that caused emplacement of the Jebilet magmatism are related to cessation of continental subduction and convective erosion/thinning of the lithospheric mantle during plate convergence.

Post-collisional adakitic volcanism in the eastern part of the Sakarya Zone, Turkey: evidence for slab and crustal melting

New geochemical and isotopic data for post-collisional Early Eocene and Late Miocene adakitic rocks from the eastern part of the Sakarya Zone, Turkey, indicate that slab and lower crustal melting, respectively, played key roles in the petrogenesis of these rocks. The Early Eocene Yoncalik dacite (54.4 Ma) exhibits high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, low Y and HREE concentrations, moderate Mg# (44–65), and relatively high eNd and low ISr values, similar to adakites formed by slab melting associated with subduction. Geochemical composition of the Yoncalik dacite cannot be explained by simple crystal fractionation and/or crustal contamination of andesitic parent magma, but is consistent with the participation of different proportions of melts derived from subducted basalt and sediments. Sr/Y correlates horizontally with Rb/Y, and Pb/Nd correlates vertically with Nd isotopic composition, indicating that Sr and Pb budgets are strongly controlled by melt addition from the subducting slab, whereas positive correlations between Th/Nd and Pb/Nd, and Rb/Y and Nb/Y point to some contribution of sediment melt. In addition to low concentrations of heavy rare earth elements (~2–3 times chondrite), a systematic decrease in their concentrations and Nb/Ta ratios with increasing SiO2 contents suggests that slab partial melting occurred in the garnet stability field and that these elements were mobilized by fluid flux. These geochemical and isotopic signatures are best explained by slab breakoff and fusion shortly after the initiation of collision. Although the Late Micone Tavdagi rhyolite (8.75 Ma) has some geochemical features identical to adakites, such as high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, low Y and HREE concentrations, other requirements, such as sodic andesite and/or dacite with relatively high MgO and Mg# (>50), relatively high Ni and Cr, low K2O/Na2O ( 400 ppm), for slab-derived adakites are not provided. It is sodic in composition and shows no traces of fractionation from dacitic parent magma. Low Nd and high Sr isotope ratios suggest derivation by partial fusion of calc-alkaline, juvenile crust with high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios.

The origin and migration of mud volcano fluids in Taiwan: Evidence from hydrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotopic compositions

Mud volcanoes are important gateways for deep fluids to migrate upward and provide windows for studying fluid/sediment interaction at depth. Fluids emitted from 40 terrestrial mud volcanoes were collected in southern and eastern Taiwan to study their chemical compositions, including H, O and Sr isotopes (87Sr/86Sr and δ88/86Sr). Relative to seawater, the mud volcano fluids are depleted in Cl, Mg, SO42−, and δD and are elevated in B, Ba, Li, and δ18O, possibly due to water–rock interaction and clay dehydration (mainly smectite to illite transformation) in the source region. The distribution of Sr in mud volcano fluids shows patterns associated with their localities and geological settings. Most fluids have higher 87Sr/86S than seawater, indicating water–rock interaction at depth. The low Na, 87Sr/86S, and high Ca fluids emitted from eastern Taiwan imply intense interaction with igneous basement. Most fluids have higher Sr/Cl and lower δ88Sr than seawater except mud volcanoes in the northern Chu-kou Fault, which emit low Sr/Cl and extremely high δ88Sr (up to 0.82‰) fluids. We performed laboratory carbonate precipitation experiments that indicate that these high Sr isotope ratios are caused by co-precipitation of carbonates from high alkalinity fluids. Mud volcano fluids in Taiwan originate at depth and their chemical compositions are controlled by the host rock, degrees of water–rock interaction, and clay dehydration, but also are masked by retrograde progresses, such as carbonate precipitation during migration. Our results show that an approach combining water isotopes (δD and δ18O) and strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr and δ88/86Sr) provides a robust tool for tracing fluid sources and migration pathways in accretionary prisms.

The geochronology and petrogenesis of Walash volcanic rocks, Mawat nappes: constraints on the evolution of the northwestern Zagros suture zone, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Geological, geochemical, and geochronological investigations of the upper volcanics (UV) of Lower allochthon (LA) of Mawat nappes (MN) were used to elucidate the geologic relationships between the LA, the Qulqula Rise (i.e., accretionary complex terrane (ACT)) and peripheral Foreland Basin Assemblage (FBA), (Maastrichtian–Paleogene). The 40Ar-39Ar geochronological data suggest that the Middle to Late Paleogene magmatic history of Late Walash arc volcanic activity of UV can be divided into an early phase of andesitic volcanism around 43.1 ± 0.3 Ma and subsequent extensional arc phase magmatism of a time lapse between 40.1 ± 0.3and 32.3 ± 0.4 Ma. The geochemical data establish the existence of gradients in trace element ratios (i.e., Ba/La, Th/Yb, U/La, Ba/Th, Rb/Y, Ba/Y, and Nb/Y) throughout the studied samples and reflect differences in the degree of mantle wedge depletion influenced by addition of a considerable proportion of sedimentary derived input of the subducting Arabian slab. The trace, rare earth elements and isotopes of the studied samples have emphasized differences in the geochemical characteristics of andesites in comparison with other members of Walash. The andesites have subduction-related signature with the isotope (low Nd and high Sr isotope ratios) characteristic of a melt component input from cratonically-derived sediments. The diabases intruding in the basalts and andesites have a transitional composition from andesitic to N-type mid-ocean ridge basalts geochemistry with a noticeable subduction-related signature, and are interpreted to form in an extensional arc evolving into back arc basin setting. As evidenced from infant arc magmatism (Albian–Cenomenian), MN recorded protracted kinematic at convergent plate margins with a most notable was the development of the ACT (i.e., Qulqula Rise) adhered to the Arabian platform carbonates (Albian–Cenomenian) leading to the inception of peripheral FBA occurred by the erosion and unroofing of advancing ACT. Notably, the volcano flysch of Walash and Nummulite carbonate of Naopurdan were still accumulating on the remaining oceanic lithosphere further to the northeast and in part coeval with Paleogene molasses sedimentation on flexural FBA further to the southwest of the ACT.

Late Paleocene–early Eocene carbon isotope stratigraphy from a near-terrestrial tropical section and antiquity of Indian mammals

Late Paleocene to early Eocene (~56 to 51 Ma) interval is characterized by five distinct transient warming (hyperthermal) events (Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), H1/ETM2/ELMO, H2, I1 and I2) in a super greenhouse globe associated with negative carbon isotope excursions (CIEs). Although well-documented marine records exist at different latitudes, terrestrial PETM sections are rare. In particular, almost no terrestrial records of either the PETM or early Eocene hyperthermals (EEHs) are yet available from the tropics. Further, evolution of modern order of mammals near the PETM has been recorded in many northern continents; however, the response of mammals in the tropics to these warming events is unknown. A tropical terrestrial record of these hyperthermal/CIE events, encompassing the earliest modern order mammal bearing horizon from India, can therefore be vital in understanding climatic and biotic evolution during the earliest Cenozoic time. Here, for the first time, we report high resolution carbon isotope (δ 13C) stratigraphy, nannofossil, and Sr isotope ratio of marine fossil carbonate from the Cambay Shale Formation of Western India. The record shows complete preservation of all the above CIE events, including the PETM, hitherto unknown from the equatorial terrestrial records. δ 13C chemostratigraphy further suggests that at least the present early Eocene mammal-bearing horizon, recently discovered at Vastan, does not support the ‘out of India’ hypothesis of earliest appearance of modern mammals and subsequent dispersal to the Holarctic continents.

A petrologic, geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic study on contact metamorphism and degassing of Devonian evaporites in the Norilsk aureoles, Siberia

Devonian evaporites and associated sedimen- tary rocks in the Norilsk region were contact metamor- phosed during emplacement of mafic sills that form part of the end-Permian (*252 Ma) Siberian Traps. We present mineralogical, geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic data on sedimentary rocks unaffected by metamorphism, and meta- sedimentary rocks from selected contact aureoles at Norilsk, to examine the mechanisms responsible for magma-evaporite interaction and its relation to the end- Permian environmental crisis. The sedimentary rocks include massive anhydrite, rock salt, dolostone, calcareous siltstones and shale, and the meta-sedimentary rocks comprise calcareous hornfels, siliceous hornfels and minor meta-anhydrite and meta-sandstone. Contact metamor- phism took place at low pressure and at maximum temperatures corresponding to the phlogopite-diopside stability field. Calcareous hornfels have high CaO, MgO, CO2 ,S O3, low SiO2 and initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7079-0.7092, features indicative of calcareous siltstone protoliths. Siliceous hornfels, in contrast, have high SiO2, Al2O3 ,N a 2O, low in other major element oxides and initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7083-0.7152, consistent with pelitic or shaley protoliths. Loss of CO2 in a subset of calcareous hornfels can be explained by decarbonation reactions dur- ing metamorphism, but release of SO2 from evaporites cannot be accounted for by a similar mechanism. Occur- rences of wollastonite and a variety of hydrous minerals in the calcareous hornfels are consistent with equilibration with hydrous fluid, which was capable of leaching large quantities of anhydrite in the presence of dissolved NaCl. In this way, substantial sediment-derived sulfur could have been mobilized, incorporated into the magmatic system and released to the atmosphere. The release of CO2 and SO2 from Siberian evaporites added to the variety of toxic gases generated during metamorphism of organic matter, coal and rock salt, contributing to the end-Permian envi- ronmental crisis.